Audi RS Q8 quattro performance

Sharing its vaunted twin-turbo V8 with other members of the Volkswagen AG family, the updated RS Q8 combines its inherent sense of occasion with impressive poise

- Ian McLaren

Price: R3 266 100 0 to 100 km/h: 3.72 secs

Top speed: 250 km/h

Power: 471 kW Torque: 850 N.m CAR Fuel index: 14.64 L/100 km CO₂: 277 g/km

Faces strong competition within this niche space. I'd be tempted by its similarly impressive RS 6 Avant sibling, too Ian McLaren

I love the pinnacle Q8's sense of presence and stance, even if much of it still needs to be optioned at purchase Gareth Dean

Brought to the South African market in 2021, the high-performance halo model of Audi's Q SUV range shares the same rip-snorting EA825, 4. 0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine with its RS 6 Avant sister car, and its Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga relatives. A vehicle announced via a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for SUVs, an Orca Black Metallic example of the RS Q8 managed to record a best 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.84 seconds in our August 2021 road test.

Incorporated within a mid-cycle product update shared with the Q7 portfolio, the latest version of the RennSport Q8 introduces enhanced cosmetics for added on-road presence, upgraded interior ambience and, for good measure, even more firepower.

Alongside the 'performance' suffix added to this model's name, the update ushers in a revised grille, rear valance, and boot trim garnishes, as well as new head- and taillamp units featuring Audi's advanced laser light technology up front and customisable OLED elements at the rear. Audi South Africa also offers several optional design packages for further customisation of this pinnacle product.